A little background info: I knew basically nothing about the CG 12 hours ago, but I've been on a non-stop information absorbing binge so some things are getting a little mixed up in my head. I think I have a fairly good understanding of how it works now. I'm 23 years old and have 99 credit hours towards a degree in criminology from LSU (~2.2 GPA). I emailed my recruiter out of New Orleans a few days ago, and he has yet to respond(I know that's very normal now). I know the best way to get these answers would be through said recruiter, but since many of you here have been extremely helpful I figured it can't hurt to ask. I'll do my best to try and keep this straightforward.
1) I'd love to be a pilot (pref. helicopters). To do so I'd have to attend OCS. If I were to enlist for 4 years, during which time finish my degree, then apply to OCS, would I be competitive with a sociology/criminology degree and a relatively low GPA (2.6-7 hopefully)?
2) Also, would having 4 years service in the CG be beneficial to the process? Are there ways, within my initial 4 years, to "get the ball rolling" on the OCS process?
3) Is 23 years old a little late to essentially BEGIN the journey to flight school? Is a degree in an avionics/aviation field required and/or the norm?
4) If you believe that it would be an attainable goal for me, would choosing a rating in the aviation group be best? AET AMT AST
If reaching flight school in my situation would be less than likely please serve it to me straight up (I know yall will). I'd still be more than happy and excited to serve in the CG in any capacity.
1) I'd love to be a pilot (pref. helicopters). To do so I'd have to attend OCS. If I were to enlist for 4 years, during which time finish my degree, then apply to OCS, would I be competitive with a sociology/criminology degree and a relatively low GPA (2.6-7 hopefully)?
ANSWER: you need to bring that GPA up. Becoming an Aviator in the Coast Guard is probably the most competitive. Alot of the Aviators come from other services because they already have the training. The OCS package is based on GPA, leadership experience, ACT/SAT/ASVAB, interview board, character references(basically the whole person concept)
2) Also, would having 4 years service in the CG be beneficial to the process? Are there ways, within my initial 4 years, to "get the ball rolling" on the OCS process?
ANSWER: you'd definately know more about what the Coast Guard is about then someone off the street. If you 30sem/45quarter hours of college you and have 4 years in and E-5 you can apply for a temp commission, otherwise you need the 4 yr degree.
3) Is 23 years old a little late to essentially BEGIN the journey to flight school? Is a degree in an avionics/aviation field required and/or the norm?
ANSWER: if you set your goals/priorities you could do it. The mentioned degrees aren't required, but they would definately give an edge due to the nature of the training.
4) If you believe that it would be an attainable goal for me, would choosing a rating in the aviation group be best? AET AMT AST
ANSWER: the more you know the better, but those aren't required, and they are competitive to get into. Right now AET is critical.
If reaching flight school in my situation would be less than likely please serve it to me straight up (I know yall will). I'd still be more than happy and excited to serve in the CG in any capacity.
ANSWER: there's the key, if you don't mind serving in the Coast Guard in any capacity then that's half the battle. Your first order of business is to get with your local recruiter to see if you are even basically qualified to join and then take it from there. If you want to apply to OCS, then you need to learn alot about the Coast Guard. Any good job seeker is going to learn about what the company does that they want to work for.
CPO Kalbach knows the ins and out better then anyone I know. I just want to add if want to be a pilot in the Coast Guard look at the requirments for Blue21 and see what you can do to meet them. go to www.gocoastguard.com under officer programs. good luck. AMT1 James Reid
